Rangers humbled by hungry APIA
A goal in either half by APIA Leichhardt was enough for them to secure a major three points in their hope to qualify for the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW finals, defeating the league leading Mt Druitt Town Rangers 2-0 at Lambert Park.
The home side opened the scoring in the final moments of the first half through Sophie Hoban after a lovely team goal.
Ash Brodigan then scored the winner in the second half to secure the victory for APIA in a very good performance from Brad Attard’s squad.
APIA’s first chance came after 10 minutes on the clock, Jordan Jasnos turning well in the box to get a solid shot off, Renee Krstanovksa up to the task saving low, then bravely saving the rebound as well from Ash Crofts.
Ten minutes later, Mona Walker tried her hand from distance after a strong run, the Mt Druitt keeper saving well again.
Hoban was next to try her luck, driving though the heart of midfield before shooting, dragging the ball wide of the target.
The visitors had their first chance from a set piece just before the break, Ena Harada lifting her effort just over the bar.
There was time though for once more chance and an opportunity worthy of one of the goals of the season.
Fine link up play from the home team where almost every player touched the ball saw Crofts lay the ball off for Alyssa Rose who squared a pass for Sophie Hoban who had the easy job of tapping the ball home.
In the second half, Krstanovska was involved early, Jordan Jasnos’ cross turned to a shot which the keeper palmed away to safety.
Crofts was next to test Krstanovska but the keeper saved easily.
On the hour mark the home side doubled their advantage.
Hoban this time the architect, again driving through midfield before finding Brodgian central, the attacker turned to her right and placed the ball into the bottom corner giving Krstanovska no chance.
Only a minute later and Mt Druitt had the chance to half the deficit after Leena Khamis drove into the box, was fouled with the referee pointing to the spot.
The veteran stepped up but rattled the cross bar, the rebound falling the way of Harada who then had her effort saved by Sally James.
With 20 minutes to go, Keiko Tanaka found Erin Tavares at the far post, the latter unable to steer the ball into the back of the net.
Match Stats
APIA Leichhardt 2 (Hoban 45’, Brodigan 60’)
Mt Druitt Town Rangers 0
Sunday, 29 June
Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt: 40. James, 2. Cicco, 4. Seaman, 6. Walker, 11. Crofts, 13. Jasnos, 14. Golding, 16. Fragale, 18. Hoban, 38. Rose (8. McNulty), 39. Brodigan.
Substitutes: 1. Magus, 5. Kilbride, 15. Pipino, 19. Lane, 20. Panagopoulos.
Yellow Cards: Cicco, Fragale, Seaman.
Red Cards: Nil
Mt Druitt Town Rangers: 88. Krstanovska, 2. Williams, 7. Jabour (3. K. Buchanan), 8. Casha, 18. Tavares, 19. Khamis, 23. Flavin (28. Tanaka), 30. Al Fararjeh, 31. E. Buchanan, 32. Harada, 38. Wyrzynski.
Substitutes Not Used: 1. Tredinnick, 6. Pender, 10. Holder, 36. Gao.
Yellow Cards: E. Buchanan.
Red Cards: Nil
-By Nikola Pozder
